I am sometimes asked by new writers about getting published. They might ask, “How did you do that?” or “How can I do that?” or “Did you know you have mustard on your chin?”The answer to one of those questions is, “Yes, I’m saving it for the corndog I plan to have for lunch.”

The other questions are more complicated.

Dear Writers . . .

Many years ago, I started sending out manuscripts to publishers and receiving rejection letters, cease and desist notices and the occasional restraining order. Getting published can be a very slow and frustrating—but exhilarating—adventure.When writers ask me about it, I feel they are looking for some wisdom to help them down that road. Alas, while many adjectives have been applied to me (including magenta, nutritious, and pepsic), wise is not one of them.

Fortunately, I know many wise writers who have given this topic much careful consideration. There are also many great resources available to those who are interested in writing for kids and/or getting published.

Sadly, however, there are not many great resources for people who have mustard on their chins.** Though there is a mustard museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.

(**Note: Number of chins is directly proportional to the number of corndogs consumed annually.)

If you are interested in writing for kids, and/or getting published, I hope you will investigate these great websites and resources!

ANYONE and EVERYONE interested in writing for kids should know about the Society of Children's book Writers and Illustrators. This is an invaluable resource for authors at every stage in their career. SCBWI includes national and regional branches, bulletin boards, critique groups, conferences, publications. Seriously. If you want to write for kids, JOIN. THIS. GROUP. Children's Writers and Illustrators Market ​​​BUY THIS BOOK. Seriously. Just do it. This book contains all the information you need to know about starting the publishing process.